Today@Sam Article

Alumnus Inspires With Entertainment Empire

Sam Houston State University alumnus Trey Diller aims to inspire. The 2013 criminal justice graduate and former football star, is steadfast in his belief that anything is possible, despite life’s many obstacles.

In 2012, Diller’s athletic career exploded after transferring from Wofford College in South Carolina to SHSU on a football scholarship. Playing as a wide-receiver and return specialist, he led the Bearkats to two back-to-back FCS national championship appearances and was ranked at the top in FCS receivers, 3rd overall in FCS athletes, and 82nd in overall NCAA receivers. He signed with the Carolina Panthers shortly after graduating in 2013.

Though his time in the NFL was short-lived due to an injury, he did not let his story end there. Along with his athletic ability, Diller was also well known for hosting legendary parties during his time at SHSU. His knack for promoting and building relationships, would later translate well into the event planning industry.

Today, Diller has established himself as an enthusiastic and bold entrepreneur and entertainer. He is currently serving as co-founder of Inspire Productions, LLCand shows no sign of slowing.

Inspire Productions is a full-service event planning, entertainment, and production company that specializes in large festivals, private and corporate events, benefits, fundraisers and parties across Texas, with plans to expand in the near future.

According to Diller, business and football are a lot alike. They are demanding and require a teamwork mentality. He credits his success to remaining optimistic and getting involved with the right people and having a good core group of family, friends and volunteers to help out.

“Being a former football player, I think that gave me a big advantage in the business world,” Diller said. “I understand it truly does take a team to win and as long as you have the right teammates on your roster, anything is possible.”

Inspire Productions is co-owned by Diller and his Wofford College roommate, Mike Niam. The pair’s first successful event was a 2017 Super Bowl party for Hall of Fame linebacker, Ray Lewis, and they have gone on to produce over 20 events since then.

From, “Beyond the Pines,” a country music festival with headliner Aaron Watson, to “Woodlands Shamrock Shindig,” or “Truck or Treat,” a family-oriented Halloween themed food truck festival, Inspire Productions aims to make any event possible. Their most popular event each year is the “Texas, Taco, Tequila & Music” festival which has been held in Conroe, Spring and soon in San Antonio on May 25.

“We try to inspire others to be happy, spread positivity and enjoy life,” Diller said. “You’ve got to live your life that way because any day could be your last.”

Diller is familiar with the frailty of life. He lost a brother in 2014, and in 2017 was severely injured in a car accident where he was hospitalized for several months, while the driver and friend, lost his life. Diller spent the next 10 months at Memorial Herman TIRR receiving neurological therapy.

“One quote that I learned while I was in therapy that really hit me, is ‘yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.’ That quote caught my attention and that is how I live my life now,” Diller said.

Inspire Production’s mission is to bring attendees together for an “an experience to remember” and they cater to many people's desire for live music, artisanal vendors, kid zones, and local food trucks at an affordable price. In addition, each of their events give back to a non-profit charity and offer children under 12, police, teachers, military and first-responders free entry into many of their festivals.

“In this industry, you have to have a passion for it. It is a gamble and a 24/7, 365 days a year, job,” Diller said. “One of the best decisions for my career was going to Sam Houston State. SHSU helps guide you and shapes you into an overall great human being.”